We miss our friends, eating out at restaurants, shopping, plus everything else that we take for granted in our normal lives. As hard as it is on us, our senior population has been hit the hardest. The elderly and those with health issues are especially vulnerable to COVID-19.

Senior communities are doing their best to keep residents safe by practicing social distancing, having meals delivered to their apartments, and not allowing contact with family and friends outside of the community. The unfortunate “side-effect” to social distancing can be depression and an overall decline in health.

To combat this, senior communities are thinking outside of the box and coming up with creative ideas to uplift spirits and help ensure that their residents know that they have not been forgotten by the outside world. They are using technology, such as Zoom and Facebook Live to connect seniors with their daughters, sons and grandchildren. Calls and “wellness checks” are made to each senior on a daily basis. Snack and Happy Hour Carts, which are rolled down the halls …kind of like their own personal Ice Cream Truck! Social distancing Bingo, Scavenger Hunts, Dance parties, etc. One community even had a social distancing Easter Parade, where people from the local community drove their cars around the building, honking and holding up signs of love and encouragement. I had the pleasure of participating in this parade, and I don’t think there was a dry eye in the crowd.

The media reports on COVID-19 cases in senior communities, but what they fail to mention are the people who are working long hours in these communities, doing everything they can to keep their residents physically, mentally and emotionally healthy. The majority of people who work in senior living, do so because they have a true passion and love of seniors. When you spend each day working in a senior community you become bonded to your residents…they become family.

Let’s send out a huge THANK YOU to everyone working in senior living – including ALL
of the staff from Sales, Admin, Activities, Servers, Cooks, Housekeepers, Nurses, Aides, Maintenance and anyone else I may have forgotten to mention. These AMAZING people are all essential workers and are making a difference in the lives of seniors!

Do you have questions about senior housing or services? We are here to help! Call 214-783-1222 or complete the contact form below and a representative will be in touch.